---
title: CONTACT Darkroom Winter Residency
description: >-
  Self-funded winter darkroom residency in Totnes, Devon, with 24-hour access to
  colour and B&W darkrooms for photography and lens-based practices. From
  £400/week.
url: 'https://www.artsume.com/programs/a5b001cc-cb1f-4815-ad11-7b6dc08386ef'
type: program
status: closed
createdAt: '2026-09-04'
updatedAt: '2026-10-02'
programType: Residency
organization: CONTACT Darkroom
organizationUrl: 'https://www.artsume.com/o/contact-darkroom'
deadline: '2026-10-02'
location: 'CONTACT Darkroom, Totnes, England, United Kingdom'
isOnline: false
disciplines:
  - photography
  - printmaking
  - alternative processes
  - interdisciplinary
careerStages:
  - Emerging artist
  - Mid-career
  - Established
---

# CONTACT Darkroom Winter Residency

**Hosted by:** CONTACT Darkroom

**Type:** Residency | **Location:** CONTACT Darkroom, Totnes, England, United Kingdom | **Deadline:** October 2, 2026

## About This Program

As the days draw shorter, CONTACT Darkroom opens up its winter residency. A resource-based programme offering artists and photographers 24-hour-a-day access to fully equipped colour and black-and-white darkrooms, a dedicated workshop room, and an open gallery. Designed for both emerging and established photographers, the residency supports the production of new or existing works in a creative, experimental and community environment.

Based in the market town of Totnes, Devon, the residency sits within a landscape of the River Dart, running from the upper moorlands of Dartmoor to the Atlantic coast, offering a diverse and compelling environment for reflection and experimentation. Artists are encouraged to respond to the seasonal changes and draw inspiration from the surrounding area, whether working on existing projects, testing out new ideas and processes or developing work that responds directly to place. The winters in South Devon can be magical.

The rivers are full, the leaves have fallen, and there may even be snow on the moorlands. It's a time for reflection, getting lost in the process and practice of photography and where the alchemy of the darkroom comes alive. But remember a coat. We welcome applications from artists working across photography, film, and lens-based practices, as well as those interested in interdisciplinary work that engages with image-making, print, and alternative processes.

Both emerging and established practitioners are encouraged to apply. Artists in residence will have access to darkroom facilities – RA4 colour print processing (up to 24-inch), black & white film development and printing, 2 colour enlargers, 3 black&white enlargers, and a large sink suitable for experimental and alternative processes; workspaces – desk space, Wi-Fi, and an exhibition area for sharing work; practical support – technical guidance, accommodation, shared kitchen, bike for local travel, and train station pickup on arrival. At the end of the residency, artists are invited but not expected to share their work in a small exhibition, talk or workshop.

Optional programmes, such as darkroom workshops, guided walks, excursions, and local gallery visits, can be arranged on request.

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Career Stage:** Emerging artist, Mid-career, Established
- **Disciplines:** photography, printmaking, alternative processes, interdisciplinary
- **Note:** Open to artists working across photography, film, and lens-based practices, as well as those interested in interdisciplinary work that engages with image-making, print, and alternative processes. Both emerging and established practitioners are encouraged to apply.

### Additional Requirements

Complete the application form, outlining your intentions for the residency and your preferred dates. A video call is arranged after the application is received.

## Compensation & Benefits

Residency costs: 1 week £500 per week; 2 weeks £450 per week; 3 weeks and over £400 per week. Included in the weekly fee: 24-hour access to all equipment and workspace, and all B&W and colour paper development chemistry. Paper, film and film development chemistry are charged separately. Inductions to Colour + Black & White printing are charged separately.

Private room lodging within walking distance of the darkroom is around £50 per night; residents are welcome to find their own accommodation.

## What's Provided

- **Housing:** Provided - A range of private room lodging accommodations situated within walking distance of the darkroom, around £50 per night. Residents are more than welcome to find their own accommodation.
- **Travel Support:** Available - Bike for local travel and train station pickup on arrival.
- **Studio Access:** Provided - 24-hour-a-day access to fully equipped colour and black-and-white darkrooms, a dedicated workshop room, and an open gallery. Desk space, Wi-Fi, and an exhibition area for sharing work.

## Timeline

- **Opens:** September 4, 2026
- **Deadline:** October 2, 2026
- **Program Start:** November 1, 2026
- **Program End:** April 1, 2027

## How to Apply

Apply at: https://contactdarkroom.co.uk/residency